Plant ID

[margob99]

Can anyone tell me what plant/flower this is? It's right by my hive; heavy-scented, and the bees just love it. This morning I've seen honeybees, bumble bees, bee-lookalike hoverflies, AND miner bees working it!

 

[Luminos]

It might be privet, but it's ages since I've seen privet so it might not be...

 

[margob99]

Just gone on a hunt around the net using the word "privet" and, yes, you may be right. Wax leaf privet ... wow, that was quick, thank you!

 

[justme]

Looks like privet to me also. We've loads around here, nice council people planted it after finishing the bypass.

 

[Chris Luck]

Wild privet all finished here a month ago, but it flowered well this year, lovely heavy scent although not to every ones taste.

Chris

 

[susbees]

Privet, don't know about all, but the regular ones are officially a source of unpalatable honey. Can impart a bitterness. I guess in towns, as a hedging plant, most people don't let them flower...

 

[tonybloke]

loads in flower here, all around cemeteries and parks. bees working it

 

[DarynWebb]

loads in flower here, all around cemeteries and parks. bees working it

none near my bees though

 

[coffin dodger]

The privet hedges round my garden's in flower and the bees seem to love it.

Regards
CD

 

[margob99]

Some honey harvested and no, not the tastiest honey. If, as I suspect, most of the honey gathered in the last 3 weeks is privet, it's giving a bit of a raw, harsh tang at the back of the throat. I suspect most non-beekeepers wouldn't notice, so I'm still hoping to sell it. Is that unethical, d'you think?

 

[meidel]

not unethical but people might remember and steer clear of your honey in future ...

 

[Chris Luck]

Or future demand may exceed production possibilities.

Chris

 

[Swarm]

Honey is honey.